Aftermath
By: L'Morgan
Disclaimer: I guess I really do need to remind you all that anything and everything related to Pirates of the Caribbean, their characters and settings are all the property of Disney - Disney - Disney - nobody - but -Disney ---- I-just-borrowing-to-play-with-and-giving-back. Only Disney can make money on anything to do with Pirates of the Caribbean. NOT ME!
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Summary: Port Royal lies in ruins.. And now a new menace appears on the horizon. Where is Jack Sparrow and the Black Pearl when doom once again visits the town of Port Royal?
AN / ummm - I am NOT a naval expert, as I am sure more than a few of you will notice here? But - give some imagination and leeway and if that still isn't enough, just wait for the next chapter. Believe it or not all of the below is possible, but you'll have to wait for the final AN to see how? : - )
And Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you who have reviewed this little story! This has been the 'dreaded I really don't think I can write this chapter' - hope it's not too disappointing!
Chapter 12: Doom Revisited
Commodore Norrington quickly ascended to the top of the fort where the cry had come from at nearly sunset. The lookout pointed to the two large vessels heading towards the entrance to the bay. He was handed a spy glass that he quickly opened and put to his eye, and for a moment he forgot to breathe.
He lowered the glass and looked out at the ships, silhouetted almost against the setting sun, swallowed hard, then raised the glass and looked again, this time longer.
"Sir? Is it the French? We've been at war with the French for years now. I've been wondering if they would come once they heard." Gillette asked and Norrington cast him an imperious glance.
"I know who we are currently at war with Gillette. Not even the French would attack a city that's just been leveled by an earthquake.. Although you may well wish it was the French before we are done. I am afraid we are about to be visited by pirates who have no conception of such decency. Both ships are flying the black flag. and the red flag of no quarter. They'll show no mercy should we resist at all." He said and Gillette blinked hard.
"No quarter? But - but sir - we can't just let them come in and sack whatever is left of the town! We have civilians! They plan on waiting right outside the harbor and then attacking come nightfall, I would wager! He said indignantly and Norrington nodded as he lowered the glass.
"No, we won't let them just destroy it - not without a fight at least. And if no quarter is given, then no quarter will be granted. Sound the alarms; fire a volley from the western cannons. Let them know we have no intentions of just letting them waltz into Port Royal and take whatever they please. The sun is not setting on this town only to have it ravaged by such soulless monsters during the dark hours of night. Meet me on the 'Freedom', we'll try to stop them at the entrance to the harbor," he ordered.
He instantly left to hurry towards the makeshift docks, where sat the one and only naval vessel able to serve at all in their defense: the 'Freedom'. Judging by what he'd seen through the glass at least one of the oncoming ships would dwarf them, not to mention the presence of a second. The odds did not look good.
~ ** ~
The 'Freedom' was outclassed even before she left the pirate-improvised dock, but every man aboard her was more than determined to make up for the lack of fire power by sheer determination and heart. They also had one advantage; the 'Freedom' was sleek and quick, not like the bulky large ship fast approaching, nor her older and worn looking smaller companion.
The didn't wait and instead took the initiative, attacking with a volley of cannon fire as they sped around the larger ship. The guns barked back at them, but the 'Freedom' was too fast and the shot only landed in clear water. They darted in close, fired all four of their guns, and then ran for distance, making sure to leave a zigzag pattern whenever it might confuse those aiming the next would-be blow at them.
Eventually however, the smaller of the ships, the 'Ketchum' decided to enter into the fray, and being smaller than the 'Rover' - it could more easily force the British into confrontation. Gunpowder and sulfur and the smell of blood assaulted them as much as the concussions that made the ships shiver as if in trepidation. The first signs of dusk were on the horizon when a shot tore through the afterdeck of the 'Freedom', damaging the wheel and killing the man who had been piloting. Another alarmed looking young man quickly took his place. He scouted the waters to get his bearings, then shouted and pointed for them to all look!
Commodore Norrington frowned. Heading toward them at what seemed to be full sail came a large dark vessel. The most predominant visible feature was the lack of clean sail - for this ship flew only the black sails of midnight and mystery. Commodore Norrington was instantly torn between the strong desire to leap for joy and laugh like a child when his much-older brother arrives to meet the schoolyard bully - or the very strong urge to throw himself overboard and save the embarrassment of having - of all persons in the world - the pirate Jack Sparrow coming to his rescue - again - once again - yet again. He looked up at the sunset strewn sky and sighed resignedly.
"The man is supposed to be a pirate good Lord - Not sailing around like some waterborne Sir Galahad - if you don't mind the observation?" he whispered in a rather wearisome tone, but much too low for anyone to make out. Then a terrible, terrible thought struck him. He was assuming Sparrow was on their side, but what if he was not? It was just as likely the daft pirate had gone off and organized this whole escapade! Well alright, maybe not 'just as likely' - but it wasn't completely impossible either!
He looked back at the fading horizon to the west from which the ship bore. The 'Black Pearl' was much too far off to be of aid. Sparrow would be too late to be of any assistance, assuming that was his intention to begin with? He winced as yet another ball ripped through the Freedoms' sails. Below him his officers were setting off a loud line of return fire. Thunder, noise and the smell of gun smoke assaulted him. 2 balls landed in the water. One tore out a section of railing on the Ketchum's aft side.
Gillette came up beside him, breathing hard. 'Sir! Look!" he insisted, pointing; just noticing the black sails coming their direction. Norrington glanced over and frowned. The 'Black Pearl' was much closer already - impossible is so short a time. He had heard the pirate ship termed 'nigh uncatchable' - but this had to be the fastest thing ever built if it could truly move at that rate. Perhaps the sun had caused him to misjudge the distance.
"What is Sparrow doing back here? Who's side is he on?' Gillette asked with concern and Norrington frowned deeply
"I have no idea why he is back. Let's hope to dear heaven that he's not in league with the others. But we must be prepared for the fact that he may well be," he observed as the ship drew near enough so its deck was discernable.
Gillette looked through the spyglass and frowned. "He's rolling up the gun ports already! They can't possibly fire at that range!" he criticized in a ridiculing tone. Norrington made a face of stern dismay as he nodded agreement.
The dark ship turned and there came a puff of smoke and faint growl, then another.
"Waste of good shot Sparrow." Norrington grated out imperiously - then fell silent as the top sail of the 'Ketchum' ripped apart and its upper mast exploded in splinters, allowing the top part to fall over and hang limply. Gillette looked at him in amazement.
"Trajectory, Gillette - and luck," the Commodore observed dryly, staring intently at the ship that loomed closer now. The Commodore could barely make out the figure of Jack Sparrow himself, standing near the helm and pointing rather insistently at the 'Ketchum'.
The 'Ketchum' fired at the oncoming ship twice, both balls landing in the water at barely more than half the distance between them. Two more puffs and a louder rumble came from the side of the Pearl - and a piece of he Ketchum's quarter deck exploded into splinters.
'Good Lord... what kind of guns does he have on that thing?" Norrington breathed without intending to really, eyes widening, and staring in near disbelief. Gillette just watched with a rather shocked look.
The 'Pearl' turned again, now on the far side of the 'Ketchum' and well out of range of any gun. It fired once more and another shower of splinters and wood erupted from the front side of the 'Ketchum'. Now the 'Rover' suddenly left off its harassment of the 'Freedom' and began to turn to go to the smaller pirate ship's defense.
The 'Rover' fired, but its shots fell far short. The 'Pearl' blasted away and a section of the 'Rover's railing exploded. Sluggishly the 'Rover' continued to turn to find the 'Pearl' now bearing down as if to pass directly between the 'Ketchum' and it. Both Cutter's crew and allies began frantically preparing to fire at the ship that would offer them point blank range if it continued on its course.
Gillette and Norrington both gasped in alarm. Sparrow was going to get himself blasted clear out of the water with such a stupid move! Norrington swore not very quietly as the 'Pearl' passed the last point where it could have veered off. That daft pirate was actually going to do it! This was suicide for certain! Gillette stared in sheer horror. No ship could stand being assaulted from both sides by close range cannon fire and stay intact - none!
The 'Pearl' sliced between the two ships, and there came an absolutely deafening roar from its guns as it fired 6 guns at once at the 'Ketchum', followed by another deafening blast of thunder as it fired the 6 on its other side at the 'Rover'. The 'Ketchum' fired just as the ' Pearl' got to its closest point - the guns roared, the smoke billowed, and one of the balls hit the side of the 'Pearl' just above the water line with a thunderous 'bamm' - and fell harmlessly into the water. The other shot split a railing and the others went over her deck to drop into the sea. They could not tell where the shots from the 'Rover' might have struck the dark ship.
"I did NOT just see that - I did NOT!" Norrington choked in disbelief as Gillette stared, rendered absolutely speechless for once. Another young officer darted up beside them to better see the battle taking place before them.
"Mister Gillette! Did you see that? That ball bounced off somehow! Thank God that thing is on our side!" the officer demanded breathlessly, completely forgetting himself until he realized that the Commodore stood there as well. He went instantly silent, but could not keep the glee from his eyes. The dark ship approached off their bow and cut across at such a close distance that they could see all details clearly. Sparrow was still by the helm, clad in his white shirt and red bandana and his always present hat, and gesturing over towards the 'Rover'. A man spun the wheel as fast as possible and the ship already started to turn.
The pirate looked over and saw them, swept off his hat with a low theatrical bow, then rapidly returned to his business, looking up at the sails and over at the 'Rover' and then he lent a hand of his own in turning the wheel. The vessel changed direction faster than Norrington believed possible and now seemed headed directly at the even larger 'Rover'.
At the last possible moment it swerved just enough and the two ships came up with barely 10 yards between them. Both sets of guns roared at what seemed like the same moment. A blast come flying out of the midlevel bulkhead, just above the water line of the 'Rover', having been shot clear through the ship from side to side at its widest and thickest point.
Gillette and Norrington exchanged shocked looks as even their own crew left off to watch the engagement taking place before them. Now the 'Ketchum' tried to limp in front of the 'Pearl's fore deck and either block her escape or sandwich the ship between herself and the 'Rover' and leaving the 'Freedom' completely unmolested in the water.
'Come on Sparrow - Look what they're doing, for god's sake man! They're boxing you in!" Norrington growled tensely as again the two larger ships exchanged deafening, point blank cannon fire. There came the sound of a gun itself exploding amidst the roar and Norrington gripped the rail as the smoke indicated it had been one of the 'Pearls'.
"Are we going to wait and see which one of them wins out against the other Commodore? If Sparrow's double loading his guns with shot, he must be in trouble! Maybe if we're lucky they'll kill each other and we'll be rid of two problems at the same time!" Gillette observed very cheerfully with a wide grin. Norrington found himself staring at the man with a feeling of complete revulsion, and then looked over where now it appeared that the two ships had exchanged cannon fire for grappling hooks and boarding planks. It had become a battle of hand to hand fighting.
"Get us over there - NOW! To Sparrows' side - All hands prepare to board!" he suddenly shouted, ignoring Gillette's' amazed look at him.
~ * * ~
Norrington himself was caught up in the tide of overeager crew racing from the 'Freedom' to join in on the mayhem going on at the other side of the 'Black Pearl' where the battle seemed to be raging hot and furious. It was not long before he was attacked by a pirate. He had no idea if this man belonged to the 'Pearl' or to the 'Rover' or even somehow to the 'Ketchum', but he had no intention of letting the man remove his head as he was so eagerly trying to do!
He sliced and parried and slashed, and even hacked his way through bodies stained with bright red bursts and amidst the flash of silver, the fire of pistols and scent of fresh hot blood. He tried to head for the wheel of the 'Pearl', but the fighting on this side of the ship was so intense that every step put him in the face of a fresh adversary.
He caught sight of a red bandana combined with dark hair and automatically steered his efforts in that direction. He honestly had no idea if the men he was cutting down were allies or not. The clash of the swords there grew louder, and more uneven, combined with more hits into wood. He finished off one opponent to find the dark haired pirate captain barely managing to hold off the larger man before him. A particularly murderous strike meant to cleave his arm off drove Jack to his knees in blocking it.
In a flash Norrington took in the mans' state, bathed in perspiration, his harsh and ragged breathing, unsteady sway and the signs of exhaustion that were telling. Sparrow's opponent noticed as well and smiled victoriously. He lifted his weapon to deliver the coup de grace as Jack tipped over to lean against the wall, unable to stop himself. The pirate captains' dark eyes never wavered from the man's face even as at that moment he knew he could not muster the strength to raise his sword in defense.
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TBC - ummm - okay so the Chapter got really, really monstrously big and I had to separate the parts someplace! Let's all count together now, today is the posted new chapter, tomorrow is day one, then comes day two - and on day three we find out what happens next!
Next Chapter IS chapter 13, the unlucky one of course..
Disclaimer: I guess I really do need to remind you all that anything and everything related to Pirates of the Caribbean, their characters and settings are all the property of Disney - Disney - Disney - nobody - but -Disney ---- I-just-borrowing-to-play-with-and-giving-back. Only Disney can make money on anything to do with Pirates of the Caribbean. NOT ME!
*************************
Summary: Port Royal lies in ruins.. And now a new menace appears on the horizon. Where is Jack Sparrow and the Black Pearl when doom once again visits the town of Port Royal?
AN / ummm - I am NOT a naval expert, as I am sure more than a few of you will notice here? But - give some imagination and leeway and if that still isn't enough, just wait for the next chapter. Believe it or not all of the below is possible, but you'll have to wait for the final AN to see how? : - )
And Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you who have reviewed this little story! This has been the 'dreaded I really don't think I can write this chapter' - hope it's not too disappointing!
Chapter 12: Doom Revisited
Commodore Norrington quickly ascended to the top of the fort where the cry had come from at nearly sunset. The lookout pointed to the two large vessels heading towards the entrance to the bay. He was handed a spy glass that he quickly opened and put to his eye, and for a moment he forgot to breathe.
He lowered the glass and looked out at the ships, silhouetted almost against the setting sun, swallowed hard, then raised the glass and looked again, this time longer.
"Sir? Is it the French? We've been at war with the French for years now. I've been wondering if they would come once they heard." Gillette asked and Norrington cast him an imperious glance.
"I know who we are currently at war with Gillette. Not even the French would attack a city that's just been leveled by an earthquake.. Although you may well wish it was the French before we are done. I am afraid we are about to be visited by pirates who have no conception of such decency. Both ships are flying the black flag. and the red flag of no quarter. They'll show no mercy should we resist at all." He said and Gillette blinked hard.
"No quarter? But - but sir - we can't just let them come in and sack whatever is left of the town! We have civilians! They plan on waiting right outside the harbor and then attacking come nightfall, I would wager! He said indignantly and Norrington nodded as he lowered the glass.
"No, we won't let them just destroy it - not without a fight at least. And if no quarter is given, then no quarter will be granted. Sound the alarms; fire a volley from the western cannons. Let them know we have no intentions of just letting them waltz into Port Royal and take whatever they please. The sun is not setting on this town only to have it ravaged by such soulless monsters during the dark hours of night. Meet me on the 'Freedom', we'll try to stop them at the entrance to the harbor," he ordered.
He instantly left to hurry towards the makeshift docks, where sat the one and only naval vessel able to serve at all in their defense: the 'Freedom'. Judging by what he'd seen through the glass at least one of the oncoming ships would dwarf them, not to mention the presence of a second. The odds did not look good.
~ ** ~
The 'Freedom' was outclassed even before she left the pirate-improvised dock, but every man aboard her was more than determined to make up for the lack of fire power by sheer determination and heart. They also had one advantage; the 'Freedom' was sleek and quick, not like the bulky large ship fast approaching, nor her older and worn looking smaller companion.
The didn't wait and instead took the initiative, attacking with a volley of cannon fire as they sped around the larger ship. The guns barked back at them, but the 'Freedom' was too fast and the shot only landed in clear water. They darted in close, fired all four of their guns, and then ran for distance, making sure to leave a zigzag pattern whenever it might confuse those aiming the next would-be blow at them.
Eventually however, the smaller of the ships, the 'Ketchum' decided to enter into the fray, and being smaller than the 'Rover' - it could more easily force the British into confrontation. Gunpowder and sulfur and the smell of blood assaulted them as much as the concussions that made the ships shiver as if in trepidation. The first signs of dusk were on the horizon when a shot tore through the afterdeck of the 'Freedom', damaging the wheel and killing the man who had been piloting. Another alarmed looking young man quickly took his place. He scouted the waters to get his bearings, then shouted and pointed for them to all look!
Commodore Norrington frowned. Heading toward them at what seemed to be full sail came a large dark vessel. The most predominant visible feature was the lack of clean sail - for this ship flew only the black sails of midnight and mystery. Commodore Norrington was instantly torn between the strong desire to leap for joy and laugh like a child when his much-older brother arrives to meet the schoolyard bully - or the very strong urge to throw himself overboard and save the embarrassment of having - of all persons in the world - the pirate Jack Sparrow coming to his rescue - again - once again - yet again. He looked up at the sunset strewn sky and sighed resignedly.
"The man is supposed to be a pirate good Lord - Not sailing around like some waterborne Sir Galahad - if you don't mind the observation?" he whispered in a rather wearisome tone, but much too low for anyone to make out. Then a terrible, terrible thought struck him. He was assuming Sparrow was on their side, but what if he was not? It was just as likely the daft pirate had gone off and organized this whole escapade! Well alright, maybe not 'just as likely' - but it wasn't completely impossible either!
He looked back at the fading horizon to the west from which the ship bore. The 'Black Pearl' was much too far off to be of aid. Sparrow would be too late to be of any assistance, assuming that was his intention to begin with? He winced as yet another ball ripped through the Freedoms' sails. Below him his officers were setting off a loud line of return fire. Thunder, noise and the smell of gun smoke assaulted him. 2 balls landed in the water. One tore out a section of railing on the Ketchum's aft side.
Gillette came up beside him, breathing hard. 'Sir! Look!" he insisted, pointing; just noticing the black sails coming their direction. Norrington glanced over and frowned. The 'Black Pearl' was much closer already - impossible is so short a time. He had heard the pirate ship termed 'nigh uncatchable' - but this had to be the fastest thing ever built if it could truly move at that rate. Perhaps the sun had caused him to misjudge the distance.
"What is Sparrow doing back here? Who's side is he on?' Gillette asked with concern and Norrington frowned deeply
"I have no idea why he is back. Let's hope to dear heaven that he's not in league with the others. But we must be prepared for the fact that he may well be," he observed as the ship drew near enough so its deck was discernable.
Gillette looked through the spyglass and frowned. "He's rolling up the gun ports already! They can't possibly fire at that range!" he criticized in a ridiculing tone. Norrington made a face of stern dismay as he nodded agreement.
The dark ship turned and there came a puff of smoke and faint growl, then another.
"Waste of good shot Sparrow." Norrington grated out imperiously - then fell silent as the top sail of the 'Ketchum' ripped apart and its upper mast exploded in splinters, allowing the top part to fall over and hang limply. Gillette looked at him in amazement.
"Trajectory, Gillette - and luck," the Commodore observed dryly, staring intently at the ship that loomed closer now. The Commodore could barely make out the figure of Jack Sparrow himself, standing near the helm and pointing rather insistently at the 'Ketchum'.
The 'Ketchum' fired at the oncoming ship twice, both balls landing in the water at barely more than half the distance between them. Two more puffs and a louder rumble came from the side of the Pearl - and a piece of he Ketchum's quarter deck exploded into splinters.
'Good Lord... what kind of guns does he have on that thing?" Norrington breathed without intending to really, eyes widening, and staring in near disbelief. Gillette just watched with a rather shocked look.
The 'Pearl' turned again, now on the far side of the 'Ketchum' and well out of range of any gun. It fired once more and another shower of splinters and wood erupted from the front side of the 'Ketchum'. Now the 'Rover' suddenly left off its harassment of the 'Freedom' and began to turn to go to the smaller pirate ship's defense.
The 'Rover' fired, but its shots fell far short. The 'Pearl' blasted away and a section of the 'Rover's railing exploded. Sluggishly the 'Rover' continued to turn to find the 'Pearl' now bearing down as if to pass directly between the 'Ketchum' and it. Both Cutter's crew and allies began frantically preparing to fire at the ship that would offer them point blank range if it continued on its course.
Gillette and Norrington both gasped in alarm. Sparrow was going to get himself blasted clear out of the water with such a stupid move! Norrington swore not very quietly as the 'Pearl' passed the last point where it could have veered off. That daft pirate was actually going to do it! This was suicide for certain! Gillette stared in sheer horror. No ship could stand being assaulted from both sides by close range cannon fire and stay intact - none!
The 'Pearl' sliced between the two ships, and there came an absolutely deafening roar from its guns as it fired 6 guns at once at the 'Ketchum', followed by another deafening blast of thunder as it fired the 6 on its other side at the 'Rover'. The 'Ketchum' fired just as the ' Pearl' got to its closest point - the guns roared, the smoke billowed, and one of the balls hit the side of the 'Pearl' just above the water line with a thunderous 'bamm' - and fell harmlessly into the water. The other shot split a railing and the others went over her deck to drop into the sea. They could not tell where the shots from the 'Rover' might have struck the dark ship.
"I did NOT just see that - I did NOT!" Norrington choked in disbelief as Gillette stared, rendered absolutely speechless for once. Another young officer darted up beside them to better see the battle taking place before them.
"Mister Gillette! Did you see that? That ball bounced off somehow! Thank God that thing is on our side!" the officer demanded breathlessly, completely forgetting himself until he realized that the Commodore stood there as well. He went instantly silent, but could not keep the glee from his eyes. The dark ship approached off their bow and cut across at such a close distance that they could see all details clearly. Sparrow was still by the helm, clad in his white shirt and red bandana and his always present hat, and gesturing over towards the 'Rover'. A man spun the wheel as fast as possible and the ship already started to turn.
The pirate looked over and saw them, swept off his hat with a low theatrical bow, then rapidly returned to his business, looking up at the sails and over at the 'Rover' and then he lent a hand of his own in turning the wheel. The vessel changed direction faster than Norrington believed possible and now seemed headed directly at the even larger 'Rover'.
At the last possible moment it swerved just enough and the two ships came up with barely 10 yards between them. Both sets of guns roared at what seemed like the same moment. A blast come flying out of the midlevel bulkhead, just above the water line of the 'Rover', having been shot clear through the ship from side to side at its widest and thickest point.
Gillette and Norrington exchanged shocked looks as even their own crew left off to watch the engagement taking place before them. Now the 'Ketchum' tried to limp in front of the 'Pearl's fore deck and either block her escape or sandwich the ship between herself and the 'Rover' and leaving the 'Freedom' completely unmolested in the water.
'Come on Sparrow - Look what they're doing, for god's sake man! They're boxing you in!" Norrington growled tensely as again the two larger ships exchanged deafening, point blank cannon fire. There came the sound of a gun itself exploding amidst the roar and Norrington gripped the rail as the smoke indicated it had been one of the 'Pearls'.
"Are we going to wait and see which one of them wins out against the other Commodore? If Sparrow's double loading his guns with shot, he must be in trouble! Maybe if we're lucky they'll kill each other and we'll be rid of two problems at the same time!" Gillette observed very cheerfully with a wide grin. Norrington found himself staring at the man with a feeling of complete revulsion, and then looked over where now it appeared that the two ships had exchanged cannon fire for grappling hooks and boarding planks. It had become a battle of hand to hand fighting.
"Get us over there - NOW! To Sparrows' side - All hands prepare to board!" he suddenly shouted, ignoring Gillette's' amazed look at him.
~ * * ~
Norrington himself was caught up in the tide of overeager crew racing from the 'Freedom' to join in on the mayhem going on at the other side of the 'Black Pearl' where the battle seemed to be raging hot and furious. It was not long before he was attacked by a pirate. He had no idea if this man belonged to the 'Pearl' or to the 'Rover' or even somehow to the 'Ketchum', but he had no intention of letting the man remove his head as he was so eagerly trying to do!
He sliced and parried and slashed, and even hacked his way through bodies stained with bright red bursts and amidst the flash of silver, the fire of pistols and scent of fresh hot blood. He tried to head for the wheel of the 'Pearl', but the fighting on this side of the ship was so intense that every step put him in the face of a fresh adversary.
He caught sight of a red bandana combined with dark hair and automatically steered his efforts in that direction. He honestly had no idea if the men he was cutting down were allies or not. The clash of the swords there grew louder, and more uneven, combined with more hits into wood. He finished off one opponent to find the dark haired pirate captain barely managing to hold off the larger man before him. A particularly murderous strike meant to cleave his arm off drove Jack to his knees in blocking it.
In a flash Norrington took in the mans' state, bathed in perspiration, his harsh and ragged breathing, unsteady sway and the signs of exhaustion that were telling. Sparrow's opponent noticed as well and smiled victoriously. He lifted his weapon to deliver the coup de grace as Jack tipped over to lean against the wall, unable to stop himself. The pirate captains' dark eyes never wavered from the man's face even as at that moment he knew he could not muster the strength to raise his sword in defense.
***************************
TBC - ummm - okay so the Chapter got really, really monstrously big and I had to separate the parts someplace! Let's all count together now, today is the posted new chapter, tomorrow is day one, then comes day two - and on day three we find out what happens next!
Next Chapter IS chapter 13, the unlucky one of course..